(Peri-Op & Anaesthesia)

Overview

• Complete cessation of breathing in patients with a pulse
• Aetiology:
  • Extrapulmonary → CNS depression (opioid intoxication), respiratory muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis, ALS), airway obstruction (aspiration), drowning, trauma
  • Pulmonary → airway obstruction (bronchospasm in asthma/COPD patients), impaired alveolar diffusion (pulmonary oedema, pneumonia)

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features:

• Cyanosis
• Tachycardia
• Diaphoresis
• CNS Impairment → altered mental status

Investigations:

• ABG → reduced oxygen, increased carbon dioxide
• Pulse Oximetry

Management Plan